The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is an organization designed to serve two roles: first, as the accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers and second, as a fund-raising body to support these accredited facilities. With the support of leading industry organizations involved with Thoroughbreds throughout their lifecycle from breeding, registration, sales, racing and other activities, the TAA will provide donors with confidence that their financial contributions are directed only to Thoroughbred aftercare facilities meeting the strictest standards of care.

2. How is the TAA different from other Thoroughbred aftercare initiatives?

The TAA is different in two meaningful ways. First, it will provide professional accreditation of Thoroughbred aftercare facilities using a rigorous physical inspection, a comprehensive review of the facility's medical and husbandry procedures, and testing plans to prove sustainability of operations. Facilities that bear the TAA seal will have met the strictest standards in Thoroughbred aftercare. Second, as an organization composed of industry-leading organizations, the TAA is uniquely positioned to maximize fund-raising efforts by reaching all points of the Thoroughbred's lifecycle, from breeding, registration, and sales to racing and other activities. Strategically matching contributions to accredited facilities will maximize the efficient use of funds toward Thoroughbred aftercare.

3. How is registration affected?

Starting on January 1, 2013, The Jockey Club will increase fees by $25 for nearly all registry related transactions, including foal registration. The Jockey Club Board of Stewards has determined that the TAA's mission is consistent with The Jockey Club's Thoroughbred aftercare objectives. Accordingly, the Board of Stewards has approved the TAA as recipient of The Jockey Club's charitable contribution towards aftercare.

4. In addition to the standard foal registration fee, what other fees will be changed?

The $25 fee increase described above will apply to most registry related transactions, including late foal registration, late name claims, reserved names, name changes, and rush fees. The $25 increase will also apply to each fee associated with exports, imports, duplicates and corrections. In addition, in 2018, The Jockey Club Board of Stewards approved a $35 fee per mare reported on a Reports of Mare Bred form to support Thoroughbred aftercare initiatives.

5. How will this affect Canadian registrants and Canadian Thoroughbreds?

The fee increase will apply equally to those in Canada. In coordination with The Jockey Club of Canada, funds raised from Canadian customers of The Jockey Club will be directed to Canadian Thoroughbred aftercare organizations.

6. Can I still contribute to the Retirement Checkoff Program?

The Retirement Checkoff Program will continue for the immediate future. The checkoff funds will be directed to (1) the Thoroughbred aftercare initiatives supported by the Thoroughbred Charities of America and (2) the vocational training programs at correctional facilities supported by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. The commercial subsidiaries of The Jockey Club intend to continue to contribute to these two programs via earmarks directed through the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

7. Are my contributions still tax deductible?

Payments made through the Retirement Checkoff Program will continue to be tax deductible charitable contributions. The additional $25 amounts collected by the Registry Office during registration in addition to the $35 collected per mare reported bred are part of the fees charged by The Jockey Club. Please consult your tax advisor.

8. How do I contact the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance?

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance can be reached by phone at (859) 224-2756 or via the Internet at thoroughbredaftercare.com or on Facebook.

9. Which industry-leading organizations comprise the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at the present time?